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CWU-Des Moines located on the Highline College campus

BS Business Administration

Our Business Administration program builds a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, focusing on the practical application of theory. The curriculum is designed to enhance students’ abilities to analyze, synthesize, and communicate information; skills that are vital to ethical, informed decision making. To perform in leadership roles, our graduates must have a basis for life-long learning and be able to adapt to constantly changing domestic and global environments. The academic setting is characterized by small classes. The curriculum is delivered mainly by full-time faculty, most of whom have industry experience. Students receive personal attention from faculty who provide student advisement, support of student activities, and help with career planning and placement.

Faculty members maintain active relationships with alumni, professional organizations, community groups and current and potential employers. Our external advisory group, the Board of Visitors, provides leadership and direction for programs within the College of Business. These external links reinforce our focus on the practical application of theory.

Students choose from the following specializations: Human Resource Management, Leadership and Management, Marketing Management, and Supply Chain Management.

Internship Opportunities

It is highly recommended that students participate in an internship program in which they may receive pay and college credit for working in the business world under the tutelage of an employer and faculty advisor.

Application Process

Application for Admission to Central Washington University is available on our website at www.cwu.edu/admissions. Submit official electronic transcripts to CWU-Ellensburg and a hard copy to CWU-Des Moines from any colleges or universities you have attended. Submit a final official transcript once your Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associates degree is posted or required preadmission coursework is complete.

Upon admission to Central Washington University, students must apply and be admitted to the major prior to enrolling in 300- or 400-level coursework in the College of Business. Applicants must participate in a mandatory orientation activity as part of the application process. CB application forms are available at the mandatory orientation. The completed application must be accompanied by transcripts that reflect all prior college work. Applicant must also have completed all university general education requirements, or complete a DTA, or have post-baccalaureate status.

Admission Requirements

A cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the pre-admission requirements must be achieved with a minimum grade of “C-” (1.7) in each course, along with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all collegiate study.

Students who have met all of the admission requirements will be admitted unless the number of applicants exceeds available space. In that case, acceptance will be competitive, based on a selection index.

Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits is required for a baccalaureate degree. Central allows a maximum of 135 quarter (90 semester) credits to transfer from regionally accredited four-year institutions, including no more than 105 quarter (70 semester) credits of lower-division (100-200 level) coursework from a regionally accredited community college. A minimum of 60 credits of upper-division study is required.

To graduate with a business administration degree, the department requires a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 in upper-division courses completed at CWU, in addition to the university GPA requirements that apply to all CWU major programs.